Alarm



N. M. LEVY Mwah 2y w3 7.,

ALARM 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fi`led June 22, 1936 Slt/twang 'Mach 2, 1937., N. M. LEVY l 2,072,523

' ALARM Filed June 22, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALARM Nathan Levy, Baltimore, Md.

`Application June 22,

12'Claims.

Thisinventionfrelatesztotalarm devices and has particular reference to installations of this kind adapted for protection of homes, banks, offices, stores, barns, storage houses and other buildings and'their `contentsagainstburglarn robbery and fire.

Among-thc objects `of this invention is the provision of lva simple, durable and lmechanically actuated alarm which Yis adapted to produce characteristicwarning noises orsoundsieitherby the opening .of a door, movement of a window, movement Lofl a win-dow shade, 4'pressure upon a string connected with `the alarm or the Vrise in temperature to andabove'a predetermined point of the Aair or :atmosphere :immediately surrounding .the alarm.

More specifically; `it is an object of @this invention to :provide a novel trigger or Itripping mechanism whereby the sound-producing parts of the'falarm are automatically actuated fto indicate vburglar-y, :robbery orre A-stillffurther 'object of this 'invention is the provision of Aa inovel `triggerffor tripping `mechanism Tor automatically ractuating the sound-.pro-

ducing parts of the alarm, said trigger mechanism automatically assuming a given position relative tota door whenthe door is closing, so that, when `in suchpcsitiomit will` be actuated by the .'dcorwhenthe 'door' is opened a predetermined amount, the ftripping'mechanism being disposed tobe set in'non-actuating Yposition when the vdoor is'zopened 'asufcient amount Ito permit the insertionv of the hand or arm of V-a .person but 4'less Vthanl the predetermined' 'amount necessaryto actuate this'ftriipping mechanism.

Other, further :andmore 4specific-objects `of this invention-will'b'ecome readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description when taken in conjunction 4.0 with the accompanying drawings wherein:

* .-Fig. 1 isian interior'view oaportion of airoom showing the `use-oi? `my alarm device in lposition for` actuation "by f a 'door or I'by movement of -Window'sha'des or 'by bearing `upon a string when givinga robberalarm or 'bya riseof temperature ofi'theratmosphere eto l'a predeterminedpoint as in the case 'of' fire.

Fig. `2 is a top plan view'of the alarm device, with the l,gong removed.

Fig. 3 is a cross-.section along line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a side `elevation of my alarm device showing the tripping mechanism when in position `for actuation by a door' hinged on the left side.

1936, Serial No. 86,654

Fig. 5 is a fragmental view showing the tripping mechanism in position for actuation when the device is installed for actuation by a ydoor hinged on the right side.

Fig. 6 is a perspective, non-assembled, detail view of the elements of the tripping mechanism.

Fig. '7 is a fragmental, detail View, partly in section, showing the tripping mechanism when set for trigger release of the sound-producing mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a fragmental View, partly in section, showing the special nut about which the swinging member is permitted to turn independently of the rest of the tripping mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a fragmental, detail view showing the connection between the rocking member and swinging member of `my alarm device.

The alarm device comprises the octagonal casing 2 having the base 4, on which is secured the bracket 6, which in turn supports `-the 4gong -8 fastened thereto by the nut and bolt construction I0. If zdesired, casings of other configurations may be provided to meet the particular needs and fancy of the user. Extending upwardly through the .base 4 is a spindle I2 to which d is fastened one end of a coiled ribbon spring I4, the other andouter end of the spring being fastened to a `plate I6, which also is xed tothe base 4. A plate I8, in spaced relation to plate I6 and provided with teeth 20 at its periphery, is also secured to the spindle I2 and rotatesitherewith. These teeth 20 mesh with the pinion 22 disposed on the shaft 24. This shaft 24 also carries the escapement or star wheel 26 which engages with the pallets 28 and 30 of the pendulum 32 pivoted on the stud 34 which is 'journaled in the sleeve 36 secured to the base 4. This dog or pendulum 32 has a clapper 38 at one end which produces an alarm-giving sound when it strikes the gong 8.

The plate I8 is Vprovided with a plurality of upwardly projecting lugs 40, preferably integral therewith, which are disposed at a suiiicient radial distance from the spindle I2 that movement in their path of rotation about the axis of this spindle will cause these lugs to engage the inner end 42 of the plunger or rocker arm 44 of the tripping mechanism when this rocker arm is pushed into its innermost position. This rocker arm 44 is disposed between the inner ange 46 of the casing 2 and a guide strap 48 secured to the flange 46. A portion 45 of this rocker arm 44is of reduced cross-section and the guide strap is shaped to permit the rocker arm to turn therein atits reduced sectional portion. This reduced.

portion is of greater length than the width of the guide strap 48, thereby permitting axial as well as circumferential movement of the rocker arm between the guide strap 4S and the ange 46.

The portion of the rocker arm projecting from the casing 2 and beyond the guide strap 48 is formed into a double bend providing a crank, the intermediate section 50 being perpendicular or nearly so to the part which is in rocking position between the flange 46 and guide strap 48 and the end section 52 being perpendicular or nearly so to the section 58 and perpendicular or nearly so to the rocking portion between the flange 46 and the guide strap 48. The section 52 has a threaded cavity or a threaded bore 54 to receive the end of a nut 56. This nut is provided with a nonthreaded portion 58 of greater cross-sectional area than the threaded portion, but of smaller cross-sectional area than the head 68 of the nut. An arm 62, hereinafter referred to as the swinging arm, is provided with a plurality of intersecting slots 64 of a size to receive the enlarged portion 58 of the nut 56. By this means the effective arm length of the arm 62 may be increased or decreased, as desired. The thickness of the enlarged portion 58 of the nut is greater than the thickness of the swinging arm 62 thereby affording clearance so that, when this swinging arm 62 is disposed between the head 6U of the nut and the section 52 of the rocker arm and the nut is tightened, the swinging arm 62 will be free to rotate about the enlarged portion 58 of the nut 56 independently of the rocker arm 44. This swinging arm 62 is bent so that the section 66, which is fastened on the nut 56, is perpendicular or nearly so to the section 68. This section 68 terminates in a knob 16, which is preferably covered with rubber or other suitable material, to serve the particular purpose set forth in the foregoing description.

A spring 12 and a retaining member or keeper 14 are fastened to the casing 2 and are located close to where the rocker arm 44 projects through the casing 2. The spring 12 bears against the section 58 of the rocker arm 44 and urges this rocker arm in an outward direction from the casing. By forcing the section 5D against the tension of the spring 12 and also turning the rocker arm 44, the section 52 of the rocker arm can be swung into a position between the keeper 14 and casing 2 and the rocker arm will be held locked so that the end 42 of this rocker arm or plunger 44 will be in the path of rotation of the lugs 40 on the plate I8 and will prevent or arrest rotation of this plate I8 and the gear assembly connected therewith. The arm 62 will be in the extended position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and the knob 10 will be disposed so that pressure on the end of this knob will exert a turning movement of the rocking arm 44. Therefore by bearing against the knob 16, the rocker arm 44 will be released from this locked condition, the section 52 of the rocker arm will be eased away from the keeper 14, and the spring 12 will push the rocker arm 44 in an outward direction from the casing 2, thereby drawing the end 42 of the rocker arm 44 away from the path of rotation of the lugs 40 on the plate I8, and ceasing to prevent or arrest rotation of this plate I8 and the gear assembly connected therewith.

In using my device as a warning means should a burglar or other intruder seek to gain entrance to a. room or other enclosure, the device is attached, as shown in Fig. l, on the door jamb 16 adjacent to the door 18, the rocker arm 44 pushed inwardly against the tension of the spring 12 and locked by the keeper 14, and the arm 62 swung so that the knob 18 of this swinging arm 62 will extend into the path of the door 18 when the latter is opened.

The coiled ribbon spring I4 having been wound with a suitable key by turning the stem 80 of the spindle I2, the tendency of the spring to uncoil will exert a force upon the gear assembly connected with the plate I8 to eifect rotation of the members of this gear assembly. This rotation is prevented if any lug 48 on the plate I8 is kept from rotating when the rocker arm is pushed inward, as in the locked position heretofore described.

When the door 18 is opened a predetermined amount, it will bear against the knob 10, causing the swinging arm 62 to move the rocker arm 44 out of its locked position and away from the keeper 14. The spring V12 bearing against the section 50 of the rocker arm 44 will slide this rocker arm from the inner position in the casing 2, thereby releasing the lug 40 and bringing the inner end 42 out of the path of rotation of the lugs 40 on the plate I8. The plate I8 will now be free to be rotated by the coiled spring I4 and will transmit its rotary motion through the gear assembly to the star wheel 26. This star wheel, alternately engaging the pallets 28 and 30 of the dog or pendulum 32 in the manner of the well known clock escapement movements, will effect a vibration of the clapper 38, causing the latter to strike the gong 8 and producing ringing sounds. These ringing sounds will notify that someone has entered through the door, while the alarm is set. Unless previously relocked against movement, the ringing will continue until the spring I4 unwinds to a point where it will no longer operate the gear assembly.

By rubber-coating the knob 10, a better and surer grip is obtained when the door 18 engages the knob to actuate the tripping mechanism of the alarm. The rubber coating also prevents damage to the door from its contact with the knob. A

Installations as heretofore described have proven very .effective where it is not necessary to open the door from the outside after the alarm has been set for actuation by such door. However, such an alarm will be set off by a nonintruding person opening the door from the outside as well as by an intruder against whose entry the alarm has been provided. This causes objectionable noise, confusion and alarm at a time when there is no desire for such an occurrence and annoyance. I will now describe my very novel and simple means for overcoming these disadvantages.

By inserting th'e enlarged portion 58 of the nut 56 in the proper slot of the series of intersecting slots 64, the swinging arm 62 is adjusted to permitthe door to open a sufficient amount to allow a person acquainted with and aware of this construction to insert the hand through such limited opening and grasp the end 82 of the cord 84 passing through the guiding screw-eyes 86 and at tached at 81 to the section 68 of the swinging arm 62. Th'e end 82 may have a loop, ball or other suitable handle. By pulling on the end 82, the arm 62 will be swung out of the path of the moving door and the alarm mechanism will not be actuated when theV door opens. When it is desired to set this alarm device on leaving by this door, the door is opened to a point permitting the person to pass through and the arm 62 is swung of the shades;

aovagisfes lso that the knob `'lll will contact with -:the door. Then :asvthe door closes, afterxthe; `personwrhas passedthrough, the swinging arm `rwill fallto a positionwhere it will be set for actuation `by the door'to `release the tripping mechanism when the door .is 'again opened a suicient amount, unless before the doorhas opened sufliciently to actuate this tripping mechanism the .swingingarmia by means of the string 84, swung into position where the knob will not be in the path of the opening door.

In order to limit thel downwardmovement of the swinging arm 62 and vto provide aposition where it will beset to be eflectually operated `'by the opening door, 1I have provided a. stop 488;

When my device .is to be used with a door hinged on the right side, the stop 88 is adjusted to assume the position shown in Fig.` 5, andthe string B4 will be gulded throughan eyelet: 9.0, `located on the opposite sideof the tripping mechwindows are -drawn `down rand a weight is hungV from each shade by suitable means such asv a .hook |02 passing through the cordring |04 These hooks .are also preferably provided with `eyes `|06 `through vwhich the :string '92 is passed .before its attachment to the support V96. Should an intrudertry toenter through a window equipped with my alarm, .as above cle scribed, any raising or other. movement of the Vshade 98 will cause an upward pull on the `part ofthe stringSZ below, such .shade thereby sound.-

ing the alarm. If, however, lth'e shade .is lowered or the shade or the string Hi8 of the shade is severed, allowing the 4weight. |110 to fall, there will also be a downward pull onithe part `oi'the l cord or string .92 below the shade, thus sounding the alarm. It is to be understood that'the weight .|00 is light enough to beadequately supported by the' window `shade spring, but heavy enough to actuate the tripping mechanism, when the full weight thereof bears on the cord 92.

My device also finds .suitable application as a robber alarm forstores, banks, payroll oilices, etc. When so used, `a string ||0 is ledv from ythe rocker arm 44, `as in ther case of the lalarm proi tection used with window shades, and this Vstring is passed through suitable guiding 'eyelets |r|2 so it will pass close to the floor under a counter ||3 or other suitableplace where it will bein position for ready actuation bythe foot whenthe alarm iis to be given. The `end of thisrrstringisconnected toa suitable terminal H4.

When my device is'to be employed .as anre alarm, the keeper 14 is preferably made of two substantially L-shaped members I I6 and H8, as shown in Fig. '7. These two memberstlfl' Yand H8 are held together byian alloy orother suitable material |20 of proper low-.melting point, for example, a metal or wax composition melting uat about 120 F. This alloy or other Icomposition may be fused to the two members or .else Vmay be inserted as a plug in openings in the members IIB and ||8. With theY alarm mechanism wound togive an alarm, and the rocker arm 44 in locked position, when the temperature of the air surrounding this re alarm becomes sufficiently fhigh to meltfthiscompositiomthe member H8 will slide away -romthe member 6, thereby releasing the rocker arm and permitting thealarming mechanism to function.

My device may be employed either with or Without the thermostatically `controlled mechanism. In the latter case, however, it will not function as :a fire alarm.

M-y :invention can be employed for either burglar, robber or fire alarm or for two or more of these purposes. Separate alarm mechanisms, constructed as heretofore described, may be employed yforeach `purpose and also for each window anddoor. However, my device also lends itself to installations'wherein a single alarinmecha'- nism can be `made to serve simultaneously forprotection against intrudersthrough a door as well as. .through one or more windows, protection ragainst robbery and also protection against yre.

The device can be readily and manually set for use. It can vbeeither fixedor removably attached to `anypa'rt of 'a vroom or other convenient structure; It can Valso be set for a series' of rooms or enclosures.

My device is independent of any source of electric energyand therefore is not exposed to being put out of operation through the destruction of )the source of electric energy-or interruption in the `pathzof the electric current. -It will also be noted that, with my alarm device, `the strings or cords lconnected with the tripping mechanismare not under .tension when the mechanism is set and the alarm is not giving sound Warning. These 4strings or cords may be of fabric or metal, and in `some,installations maybe replaced in `whole or in partby` wire. The screw eyelets for guiding the ,strings `or cords should be provided in suilicient number and atsuitable locations to properly support these strings :or cords, and to prevent tan- ;glingor.other.interferencebetween the cords when two Aor more cords are employed in close .proximity to each other. `Instead of using screw eyelets .for guiding the strings or cords, othermeans, .such as ,-pulleys, staples, etc., may be substituted in whole or in part 'for these screw eyelets.

It is to be understood that in employing my device as a fire alarm, instead of having the keeper '|'4 4made of two members held together by a fusible composition, the fusible material may constitutesome other suitable part of themecha- .nism so that the rocker arm 44 would be released when the fusible composition melts.

The present invention is not limited to the 'specic details set forth in the `foregoing examples which shouldbe construed as illustrative and not 'by way of VVlimitation, and in view of the numerous modiiications which may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, it is desired that only such limitations be imposed as. are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as'my invention:

1. An alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, springmotor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, means for arresting operation by said spring motor means, said arresting means comprising` an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member disposed to turn onA an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking-member and to move along an axis exn tending lengthwise of said rocking member and having a crank arm, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking arm in arresting position, a swinging member connected `Fto said crank arm and disposed to turn said crank arm from its engagement with said keeper, Aand resilient means acting on said crank arm for sliding said rocking member away from engagement with said spring motor means when said crank arm is disengaged from said keeper.

2. An alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, means for arresting operation of said clapper by said spring motor means, said arresting means comprising an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member having a crank arm and disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking member in arresting position, a swinging member connected to said'crank arm and disposed to turn said crank arm from its engagement with said keeper, resilient means acting on said crank arm for sliding said rocking member away from the path of movement of said stop when said crank arm is disengaged from said keeper, and means for connecting said rocking and said swinging members and allowing said swinging member to turn about said connecting means independently of said rocking member.

3. An alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for locking said rocking member in engagement with said stop, a swinging member adapted to unlock said rocking member, resilient means acting on said rocking member for separating said rocking member from the path of movement of said stop when said rocking member is unlocked, means for connecting said rocking and said swinging members and allowing said swinging member to turn about said connecting means independently of said rocking member, said swinging member having means whereby the position of the connecting means relative to the swinging member may be varied and regulated.

4`. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper,

l means for winding said spring motor, means for arresting operation of said clapper by said spring motor means', said arresting means comprising an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and having a crank arm, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking arm in arresting position, a swinging member connect-ed to said crank arm, project- `:ing into the path of the door when said door is opening and disposed to turn said crank arm from its engagement with said keeper.

5. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper,

spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, means for arresting operation by said spring motor means, means actuated by the opening of the door for releasing said arresting means, said arresting means comprising an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and a keeper for locking said rocking member in arresting position and said releasing means comprising a movable member projecting into the path of the door when said door is opening and having connection with and adapted to unlock said rocking member, and means for regulating and adjusting the extent of projection of said movable member into the path of the door when said door is opening and thereby determine how far said door will be permitted to open without actuating said releasing means.

6. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper,

spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, means for arresting operation by said spring motor means, means actuated by the opening of the door for releasing said arresting means, said arresting means lcomprising an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and a keeper for locking said rocking member in arresting position, and said releasing means comprising a movable member projecting into the path of the door when said door is opening and having connection with and adapted tounlock said rocking member, means f' for regulating and adjusting the extent of projection of said movable member into the path of the door when said door is opening and thereby determine how far said door will be permitted to open without actuating said releasing means,

and means in engagement with said movable member for shifting said movable member out of projection into the path of the door when the door is opening.

'7. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for locking said rocking member in engagement with said stop, a swinging member projecting into the path of the door when said door is opening and having connection with and adapted to unlock said rocking member, means for regulating and adjusting the extent of projection of said swinging member into the path of the door when said door is opening and thereby determine how far said door will be permitted to open without actuating said swinging member, means in engagement with said swinging member for shifting said swinging member out of projection into the path of the door when the door is opening, and resilient means acting on said rocking member for separating said rocking member from the path of movement of said stop when said rocking member is unlocked.

8. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper,

means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for locking said rocking member in engagement with said stop, a swinging member projecting into the path of the door when said door is opening and adapted to unlock said rocking member, means for regulating and adjusting the extent of projection of said swinging member into the path of the door when said door is opening and thereby determine how far said door will be permitted to open without actuating said swinging member, means in engagement with said swinging member for shifting said swinging member out of projection into the path of the door when the door is opening, resilient means 20 acting on said rocking member forseparating said rocking member from the path of movement of said stop when said rocking member is unlocked, and means for connecting said rocking and said swinging members and allowing said swinging member to turn about said connecting means independently of said rocking member.

9. An alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, means for arresting operation of said clapper by said spring motor means, said arresting means comprising an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member having a crank arm and disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking arm in arresting position, a swinging member connected to said crank arm and disposed to turn said crank arm from its engagement with said keeper, and resilient means acting on said crank arm for sliding said rocking member away from the path of movement of said stop when said crank arm is disengaged from said keeper, said keeper containing fusible material adapted to release said rocking member from the locked position when the air about said alarm attains a predetermined temperature.

10. An alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, said clapper-operating means including a toothed plate having a stop thereon, means for arresting operation of said clapper by said spring motor means, said arresting means comprising an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member having a crank arm and disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking arm in arresting position, resilient means acting on said crank arm for sliding said rocking member away from the path of movement of said stop when said crank arm is disengaged from said keeper', and a cord extending from said crank arm and disposed to unlock said rocking member when a pull is exerted on said cord.

11. An alarm installation comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, a stop on said clapper-operating means, an elongated slidably-mounted rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member, to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to engage said stop, a keeper for locking said rocking member in engagement with said stop, a cord extending from said rocking member and passing under a window, a weight connected with said cord and supported above said cord by the window shade of said window, said cord being disposed to unlock said rocking member when a pull is exerted on said cord, and resilient means acting on said rocking member for separating said rocking member from the path of movement of said stop when said rocking member is unlocked.

12. A burglar alarm device adapted for use adjacent to a door and actuation by opening said door, said alarm comprising a gong, a clapper, spring motor means for operating said clapper, means for winding said spring motor, means for arresting operation of said clapper by said spring motor means, said arresting means comprising an elongated, slidably-mounted, rocking member disposed to turn on an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and to move along an axis extending lengthwise of said rocking member and having a crank arm, a keeper for holding said crank arm and thereby locking said rocking arm,l in arresting position, a swinging member connected to said crank arm, projecting into the path of the door when said door is opening and disposed to turn said crank arm from its engagement with said keeper and to swing easily and without resistance to further opening of said door after disengagement of said crank arm from said keeper by pressure of said opening door on said swinging member, and resilient means acting on said crank arm for sliding said rocking member away from the path of movement of said stop when said crank arm is disengaged from said keeper.

NATHAN M. LEVY. 

